"What's that? Spells? Magic...? Teaming up?" Atticus murmured hazily as he sat up in his bed, half-listening to what Juno was saying and repeating back partial bits of what he heard. He was much too tired at this time of the morning, after having completed a long shift at work the day before and having another long shift in a couple short hours. "Look, I appreciate your call, but try next door perhaps. Maybe they'll want to be part of your magic spell- or whatnot, team thing..." he mumbled with clear disorientation before letting his head fall back down to the pillow.
v "Wh..what?" Atticus chuckled nervously, his mind flooded with concern. He clearly understood the gravity of the situation, despite the pleasant tone of voice that was delivering the message. "It sounds like there was a misunderstanding, sir. I have no connection with said bodyguard."
v "Y..yes sir!" Atticus stammered, a wave of euphoria rushing through him. He thought he was almost a goner with Mr. Irazoki breathing down his neck with those accusations. While he was still bewildered about the claims, he quickly shrugged it off from the new feeling of relief and turned in for bed.
((LOLLLL my brain finally made that connection!! Ahh, if Atticus had made that mental connection as well, he would have told Iske that he did NOT order his bodyguard to put a hit on Ama. He actually quite treasures her. In the alternate reality where she is killed, he would have been devastated and heartbroken, especially when finding out that he's at fault for her death!))